The Importance of a Good Ram for your Flock
Shepherds often say, “The ram is half the flock.” It may sound like an exaggeration, but it’s the truth. Every lamb born carries 50% of his genetics, which means a single ram has the power to shape the future of your flock for years to come.
That’s why choosing the right ram is one of the most important decisions you can make as a shepherd.
Why a good ram is Important
When I first started, I thought I’d struck gold with my ram. He was dog gentle—the kind of ram kids could pull on by the ears, sit on his back, and he would never move a muscle. At first, that seemed like a dream.
But it didn’t take me long to realize I had a problem. He was more of a pet than anything, and I wasn’t sure if he would ever take his real job—breeding ewes—seriously. That experience taught me that a ram needs to be more than just easy to handle; he needs the right balance of temperament, health, and drive.
That’s why I created this post for you—so you don’t run into the same issues I did!
Genetics Shape the Future
A good ram doesn’t just pass on his looks. His genetics influence milk production, growth rate, parasite resistance, flock temperament, and even mothering ability in his daughters. A poor-quality ram, on the other hand, can undo years of careful flock management.
One Ram, Many Ewes
The ram’s influence is multiplied by how many ewes he can cover:
Ram lambs (under a year old): typically able to cover 10–15 ewes in their first breeding season.
Mature rams (2 years and older): often capable of breeding 30–50 ewes or more, depending on their condition and management.
Because one ram can sire so many lambs in a season, his impact far outweighs that of any single ewe.
Traits to Look For
When selecting a ram, it’s important to evaluate him carefully. Here are some of the most important traits:
Sound conformation: strong legs, a straight back, and healthy feet ensure longevity and mobility.
Head size and shape: overly large, blocky heads can lead to lambing difficulties, especially in smaller breeds or young ewes. A balanced head size improves ease of lambing and reduces stress on ewes.
Gentle temperament: a calm ram is safer to handle and more pleasant to work around, and his lambs are more likely to share that disposition. However he should still maintain a strong drive to work when it is that time of year!
Strong health: look for parasite resistance, bright eyes, solid body condition, and no history of chronic illness.
Proven lineage: for dairy flocks, milk records in the family are essential. For meat or fiber breeds, growth rates and fleece quality should be priorities.
Dam’s traits: Does his dam and granddam have nice, well attached udders with long teats? These are the traits he will contribute to his daughters.
The Value of a Breeding Soundness Exam
Before breeding season, a Breeding Soundness Exam (BSE) performed by a veterinarian can save you time and heartache. This exam typically checks:
Testicular size and development.
Semen quality and motility.
Overall health and fitness for breeding.
Even a healthy-looking ram may not be fertile. A BSE ensures your ram is ready to do his job—and prevents the disappointment of open ewes come lambing season.
If you are buying from a trusted source this exam can be skipped, however when investing a large chunk of money into a quality ram, this can put your mind at ease.
The Cost of a Poor Ram
A ram with weak genetics or undetected health issues can leave lasting problems:
Lower milk yields in daughters.
Smaller, weaker lamb crops.
Difficult births from large-headed offspring.
Long-term health challenges in your flock.
These setbacks take years to overcome. That’s why “cheap” rams often end up being the most expensive decision you can make.
Why a Good Ram is Worth It
A thoughtfully chosen ram is an investment that pays off for years to come. He produces stronger lambs, improves flock performance, and passes down qualities that make shepherding more enjoyable and sustainable.
Your flock’s future truly rests on his shoulders. Choosing wisely ensures that your hard work in raising sheep is rewarded with healthy, productive generations to come.
An old shepherd told me once “buy the best ram you can afford” and that’s what I have always strived to do.
Even more about rams:
How to care for your ram year around - coming soon!
Preparing your ram for breeding season - coming soon!
Introducing a new ram to your flock - coming soon!
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